India counters China

New Delhi, Sept. 18: India on Friday signalled that it would not take too much Chinese belligerence by landing its AN-32 transport aircraft in Ladakh near the Sino-Indian border and by asserting that Arunachal Pradesh was an integral part of the country.

The latest moves follow alleged Chinese incursions in the border and efficiently blocking aid from ADB Bank to Arunachal claiming it a disputed territory.

It is for the first time that the Indian Air Force has landed its fixed wing AN-32 transport aircraft at the Nyoma Advanced Landing Ground in Ladakh, just 23 km away from the Line of Actual Control. This is a terse and clear message to China.

Sources said that the next step would be to expand the Nyoma ALG into a full-fledged air-base where fighter aircraft can land.

In 2008, fixed wing aircraft had landed at the Daulat Beg Oldi ALG (the highest airfield in the world situated at an altitude of 16,200 feet) and the Fukche ALG. Experts believe that India is developing ALGs in Ladakh to improve its capability for quick transportation of troops. Further expansion of ALGs will give India the edge and restrain aggressive Chinese posturing along the LAC.

Meanwhile, after playing down the differences with China for days, the external affairs minister,

Mr S.M. Krishna said on Friday that India’s sovereignty will have to be respected by China. “Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of India.”

The minister said both India and China were “mature” and “powerful” neighbours who needed to have trust and faith in each other.

When asked about Chinese incursions, the minister said. “The Indian armed forces are capable of defending our frontiers.”